VPD arrest Calgary man after hour-long crime spree

A 23-year-old Calgary man was arrested in Vancouver on Tuesday after what Vancouver Police described as an “hour-long” crime spree.

The incident began around 3:20 pm, when the suspect snatched a purse from a 64-year-old woman who was standing at the intersection of Main Street and East King Edward.

“There was a struggle and the woman fell to the ground before the robber ran off with her purse,” said VPD Const. Jason Doucette.

The woman was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Approximately five minutes after the purse snatching, someone stole a 1999 Toyota van after it was left running on Main Street near East 19 Avenue.

Then, at around 4:25 pm, a man who was standing in line at a restaurant on Kingsway Avenue near Fraser Street allegedly reached in and grabbed money from the till once the cash register had been opened.

Witnesses then chased the suspect and were eventually able to hold him for police, said Doucette.

Two of the witnesses received minor injuries during the altercation.

Now, Calgary resident Walker Franciscas Frijters has been charged with robbery, two counts of theft, assault, assault with a weapon, and assault causing bodily harm.